Chief Z.O. Oloruntoba Biography

The Chief was born October 1, 1919. He is a spiritual leader, artist, herbalist, avid polo player to this day, flutist and film maker. His art is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, Queen Elizabeth II, David Rockefeller, and Muhammad Ali.

He is also a well-known practitioner of herbal medicine who consults and conducts workshops at such institutions as the Georgetown University Medical School. The Chief uses medicinal herbs to dye the fibers he uses in his tapestries and feels, therefore, that his art has curative powers for the viewer. Glass would impede the flow of healing power and should never be put over the tapestries. There is also a practical reason to avoid glass: Over time it causes the deterioration of fiber art.

The medium: Cotton-cord applique on canvas. Hand-spun and herbal-dyed, applied with animal hide glue and set by the weight of a heavy slab of stone. Silk in appearance. Can be rolled, like any tapestry or rug for transport. The drawn pattern is often visible on the back.